AGULHAS RETROFLECTION RINGS IN THE SOUTH-ATLANTIC OCEAN - AN OVERVIEW

The most energetic western boundary current rings in the world's oceans are shed from the Agulhas retroflection south of Africa. These are responsible for a considerable transfer of heat, salt and energy from the South Indian Ocean into the South Atlantic. This transfer has important implications for global ocean circulation. In addition, the rings have some important local effects (e.g. on weather and on the Benguela upwelling system) in their passage across the South Atlantic. Since 1983, hydrographic studies have begun to examine these rings and their effects. These studies are reviewed in both global and local contexts.